Compare And Contrast Political Cartoon

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Political Cartoon Analysis

Guns are the subject of much controversy and debate in the United States, especially with the increase of gun related violence in recent years. In this analysis I will be comparing and contrasting two political cartoons with opposing views concerning America’s gun politics.

The first political cartoon that I have chosen to analyse was created by David Horsey and published in Hearst Newspapers in 2011. This cartoon is colored, and divided horizontally into two frames. One on the top and the other on the bottom. In the top and smaller of the two frames, there is a black box in the upper left-hand corner which contains the capitalized words “What Gun Nuts Fear:” in red letters. In the center of this frame we see
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However, some distinct differences between the two, besides style, is that the second cartoon is completely free of dialogue, has no background in either frame, and the fact that both frames are practically identical with the exception of a few crucial details. In the first frame of this cartoon there are the words in black letters “The Second Amendment for Dummies”, which can be seen in the upper left-hand corner of the frame. Continuing on with each of the figures in this cartoon, we observe one person at the far left of the frame, another person in the center of the frame, and a diverse group of six people at the far right of the frame, eight people total. We can start at the top of the group of six people on the far right. All races of these characters are assumed based on complexion and features, all genders assumed based on body type, hair, and attire, and all ages assumed based on size, hair, and attire. In this group, there is firstly an adult White female with red hair and glasses, wearing a pink polka dotted dress and miscellaneous jewelry, holding a blue bag. Secondly, an adult White male who is bald with a beard and glasses, wearing a grey shirt and peace sign necklace. Thirdly, an adult White male with a shaved head and goatee, wearing a white baseball cap, white T-shirt, tan coat, and green trousers. Fourthly, a White female child with blonde hair, wearing a pink dress and white coat. Fifthly, an adult Black male with black hair and glasses, wearing a blue T-shirt. Lastly, a White male teenager with blonde hair, wearing a brown sweater and yellow backpack. Moving on to the figure on the far left, they are an adult White female with blonde hair, wearing a white shirt, pink business suit, and miscellaneous jewelry. Each of the six figures have neutral facial expressions and body language. Now, the focal point of

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